BREAKING: A Kenyan national has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for a foiled attempt to execute a 9/11-style attack on Atlanta’s tallest building. Cholo Abdi Abdullah, a 34-year-old operative for the al-Shabaab terrorist organization, plotted to hijack a commercial airliner and crash it into the Bank of America Plaza, as confirmed by federal prosecutors.
The sentencing, announced earlier today, follows Abdullah’s conviction on multiple terror-related charges. His ambitions to replicate the horrific September 11 attacks were thwarted thanks to the relentless efforts of U.S. law enforcement, who acted quickly to prevent a potential tragedy.
Abdullah’s ties to al-Shabaab began in 2015, during which he spent a year in Somalia receiving military training in weapons and explosives. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated, “Cholo Abdi Abdullah was a highly trained al-Shabaab operative who was dedicated to recreating the horrific September 11 terrorist attacks on behalf of a vicious terrorist organization.”
From October 2017 to July 2019, Abdullah pursued flight training in the Philippines to obtain a commercial pilot license, funded by al-Shabaab’s extensive criminal operations. Evidence presented in court revealed that Abdullah extensively researched Delta Airlines flights and meticulously planned his attack, indicating a clear preference for the Bank of America Plaza as his target.
Authorities arrested Abdullah before he completed the instrument rating necessary for a major airline job. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg emphasized the gravity of the plot, stating, “We thwarted this plot due to the relentless efforts of U.S. law enforcement and thereby likely saved many innocent lives.”
Court documents from January 2019 revealed that Abdullah intensified his planning after receiving a briefing on an attack in Nairobi from his al-Shabaab handlers. He was ultimately convicted on six counts, including providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and conspiring to murder U.S. nationals abroad.
“This life sentence is a powerful reminder that those who plot attacks against the United States will be prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” Eisenberg reiterated.
The collaborative efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, along with international and U.S. law enforcement agencies, were crucial in bringing Abdullah to justice. With the conclusion of this case, Abdullah now faces a lifetime of supervised release following his double life sentences.
This urgent development underscores the ongoing vigilance required in combating terrorism and protecting public safety. Authorities remain committed to preventing similar threats as they monitor potential risks. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
